Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I note that the inadequate response to the Israeli Government's actions in Gaza has given the Israeli Government the feeling it can do what it likes and act with impunity. We have seen this all along and we have seen it result in the death of 40,000 Palestinians, which is unbelievable. It is happening in front of our eyes on social media. Most recently we have heard the Israeli Government publicly state its intention to conduct further military operations without any hesitation or concern about international worries about what it is doing. Nor does the fact that there is widespread malnutrition and famine have any impact on its decision.

The European Council has been less than forthright in persuading the Israeli Government to do otherwise and cease what it is doing. Ahead of this week's meeting, the President of the European Council stated:

Too many innocent lives are at risk because of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and raging famine. International law needs to be fully respected.

We must question the effectiveness of that response because there have been 40,000 deaths and such sentiments indicate the level of shortcomings to date on the part of the Israelis. Ireland needs to go to the meeting with the message that an increase in the EU response is needed. For our part, we need to pre-empt that through an economic, political and diplomatic response of our own.

Farmers recently sent a message loud and clear. It was referenced by the Council President. I urge the Minister of State to bring the message conveyed at home where farmers feel they are to bear the brunt of the regulation while being sidelined at the same time.

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